Obituaries
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com

[Broyles, Wilson]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday    June 10, 1909    p. 4

Rev. G. Hendrickson was called to Hopkins Friday to preach the funeral of Wilson Broyles who died on the previous Wednesday. Mr. Broyles home of recent years has been in Old Mexico, but [he] came to Hopkins a couple of weeks ago to visit his daughter, Mrs. S. [amuel] M. Chaney [Sallie Broyles]. While there he was taken ill and a week later passed away.

[Cantner, Elsie Decker]

Bedford Free Press

Wednesday    August 13, 1919    [p. 1]

MRS ELSIE CANTNER DIED AT HER HOME TUESDAY

Mrs. Elsie Cantner died at her home Tuesday, August 12 after an illness of a few weeks. Funeral services will be conducted at the home Thursday forenoon at 10:00 a. m. and burial made in the Bedford cemetery.

[Cantner, Elsie Decker]

Bedford Free Press

Wednesday    August 20, 1919    p. 8

Obituary-Cantner.

Elsie E. Decker was born at Sycamore, DeKalb, county, Illinois, December 27, 1867 and died at her home in Bedford August 12, 1919.

She came to Taylor County with her parents when only five years old, grew to womanhood here, and in 1888 was united in marriage to L. [emuel] B. [rance] Cantner. With the exception of two years spent in Blockton their whole married life was lived in and around Bedford. Mrs. Cantner was a member of the Christian church and active in church work.

Left to mourn her loss are her husband, L. [emuel] B. [rance] Cantner of Bedford, her parents and one brother, who resides at Woonsocket, S. D., one sister, Mrs. Sam May of Lane, S. D. and her many friends.

Funeral services were conducted Thursday, August 14 from the home by the Reverend E. E. Lowe of the Christian church.

[Cantner, Elsie Decker]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday    August 14, 1919    [p. 1]

Elsie E. Cantner

Died Tuesday After Lingering Illness

To Be Buried Tuesday

Elsie E. Cantner died at her home in Bedford Tuesday, August 12, from the effects of a goitre. While she has been bedfast but a short time, she has been suffering from her malady for the past year. She had many friends here and was a most helpful friend and neighbor, and her activities will be missed by many.

Elsie E. Decker was born in Sycamore, Ill., in 1865, coming to Bedford with her parents when she was but five years of age. Here she grew to womanhood and in 1888 was united in marriage to [Lemuel] Brance Cantner. No children were born to this union.

She is survived by her husband, her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Decker, who lived here for years but now live at Woonsocket, S. D., a brother, Burr Decker, and a sister, Mrs. Jessie May, of Lane, S. D., the latter being here for the funeral.

The funeral services will be held at the home today (Thursday) at 10 a. m., Rev. E. E. Lowe conducting them. Interment will be in the Bedford cemetery.

[Cantner, Jean Chaney]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    November 26, 1953    [p. 1]

Mrs. Jean Cantner Buried At Hopkins

Mrs. Jean [Chaney] Cantner, 61, died Monday evening at the home of her sister, Mrs. F.[rank] E. Abernathy in Trenton, Mo., where she had been taken from Hopkins, Mo., that day because of her serious illness. She passed away in her sleep, death being attributed to a heart ailment.

Funeral services were held in Trenton Wednesday and burial services were held at the graveside in Hopkins cemetery Wednesday afternoon.

She is survived by her sister, Mrs. Abernathy [Stella Chaney], in Trenton. All other members of her immediate family have died.

[Cantner, Jean Chaney]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     December 3, 1953    [p. 1]

Obituary – Mrs. Jean Cantner

Mrs. Jean Cantner, a resident of Bedford, died Nov. 24 at the home of her sister, Mrs. Frank Abernathy in Trenton, Mo. Death resulted from a heart attack.

Funeral services were conducted at 10 a.m. November 25 in Trenton. Rev. A. C. Runge, pastor of the Methodist church in Trenton officiated at the funeral home rites. At the graveside rites in Hopkins, Rev. A. B. Hart officiated.

Mrs. Cantner was born July 9, 1892 at Hopkins, a daughter of David L. and Susan Palmer Chaney. She was married in 1922 to L. [emuel] B. [rance] Cantner of Bedford. Mr. Cantner preceded her in death.

She is survived by one sister, Mrs. Frank Abernathy [Stella Chaney] of Trenton, several nieces and nephews.

[Cantner, Lemuel Brance]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    September 21, 1933    [p. 1]

[Lemuel] Brance Cantner, 64, of Bedford died at the University hospital in Iowa City Friday, Sept. 15, after having been ill for several years. The funeral services were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home Sunday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Clark M. Crowell. Burial was in the Bedford cemetery.

He was born in the state of Indiana Aug. 4, 1869. When two years old he moved with his parents to the state of Iowa and had made his home in and around Bedford since that time.

He was married to Miss Jean Chaney of Hopkins, Jan. 9, 1921, who survives. There are also two nieces and a nephew. His first wife, Mrs. Elsie [Decker] Cantner, died many years ago.

[Chaney, Susan Palmer]

Bedford Times-Republican

Monday    March 24, 1924    [p. 1]

Mother Dies

Mrs. A. [lwin] F. Luther [Lillian Blanche Chaney], candidate for County Superintendent of schools, received a message just before we went to press today that her mother [Susan Palmer Chaney] had just died very suddenly [March 24, 1924] at her home in Hopkins. She left on the afternoon train for Hopkins, where she will remain until after the funeral. The sympathy of this community will go out to Mrs. Luther in this the hour of her great sorrow.

[Chaney, Susan Palmer]

Blockton News

Thursday    April 3, 1924     [p. 1]

Mrs. Susan [Palmer] Chaney passed away at her home at Hopkins on Tuesday [Monday, March 24, 1924] of last week. She was the widow of the late Prof. David L. Chaney and mother of G.[eorge] A.[rthur] Chaney, both of whom were at one time connected with the Blockton schools, we believe.

[Gray, William Alvin "Will"]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    November 21, 1974     p. 8

W. A. Gray, 94, Last Rites Held November 15

Funeral services for W. [illiam] A. [lvin] Gray of Villisca, a native of Conway, were held November 15 at Wolfe Funeral Home in Villisca conducted by Dennis Neal. Mr. Gray died November 12 in a Red Oak hospital. Interment was at the Villisca Cemetery.

Mr. Gray is survived by four children, Mrs. Guy (Erma) Kelley, Hopkins, Donald Gray, Council Bluffs, Frances Gray and Kenneth Gray of Villisca; nine grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; two sisters and two brothers.

[Luther, Alwin F.]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    September 27, 1945     [p. 1]

Luther The Tailor Dies At Hospital

A. [lwin] F. Luther, a tailor in Bedford for many years, died at the Municipal Hospital in Clarinda Saturday, September 22, where he had been taken the day before.

The funeral services were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home Monday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Gordon F. MacLean. Interment was in the Bedford Mausoleum in the Fairview cemetery.

Alwin F. Luther was born in New York City January 31, 1869, the son of Frederic and Christina Luther.

As a young man he visited many new settlements in the Middle West and several of the pioneer mining camps in Colorado. His real pioneer spirit is shown in the fact that even as late as 1914 he homesteaded land in Idaho.

He came to Bedford in 1898 and was married to L. [illian] Blanche Chaney on August 8, 1907. As a member of the community of Bedford he became affiliated with the First Presbyterian Church and with the local Masonic order. As a member of its business circle he had served the community well for 48 years.

His passing leaves a host of friends and relatives that include his loving wife, a brother Herman, and a sister, Ida, who live in Utica, New York.

[Luther, Christina, Mrs.]

Bedford Free Press

Tuesday    September 23, 1913     p. 7

A. [lwin] F. Luther received a telegram from Utica, N. Y., Saturday afternoon that his mother [Christina Luther] was dying and he left immediately on the afternoon freight for Creston, where he caught a main line train for Utica. After he had gone another telegram was received stating that his mother was dead. Mr. Luther will be gone a week or so.

[Luther, Christina, Mrs.]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday    September 25, 1913    p. 3

A. [lwin] F. Luther departed Saturday for Utica, N. Y., called by the death of his mother [Christina Luther].

[LUTHER, CHRISTINA, MRS.]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Tuesday, October 7, 1913
A. [lwin] F. Luther returned Tuesday from a two weeks visit at his old home in Utica, N. Y. He was called back home by the death of his mother.

[Luther, Erma Ridenour]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    January 24, 1952    p. 5

NEW MARKET

Former Resident Dies

Funeral services for Mrs. Marion Luther [Erma Ridenour], 43, were held Monday at two p.m. at the Methodist church in Corning with burial in the Clarinda cemetery.

Mrs. Luther died Friday following a stroke. She is survived by her husband; three sons, Richard of Prescott, Glen of Creston and Gerald at home; her mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Ridenour oft New Market; four brothers, Claude Ridenour of Creston, Nell Ridenour of Clarinda, Ivan Ridenour of Davenport, Leisure Ridenour of Braddyville; two sisters, Mrs. Wlllard Luther of Clarinda, Mrs. Paul Boelling of Corning.

The Luther family formerly lived in Dallas Township.

[Luther, Lillian Blanche Chaney]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    February 5, 1953    [p. 1]

Mrs. Blanche Luther Dies Here Saturday

Mrs. [Lillian] Blanche Luther, 72, died at her home in Bedford Jan. 31. Funeral services were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home Tuesday afternoon conducted by a former Bedford minister, Rev. Gordon F. Maclean, of Lytton, Iowa. Interment was in the mausoleum in Fairview cemetery.

[Luther, Lillian Blanche Chaney]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    February 12, 1953    p. 4

Lillian Blanche Chaney, daughter of David L. and Susan Palmer Cheney, was born at Hopkins, Mo, April 22, 1880, and died at her home In Bedford, Jan. 31, 1953.

She grew to womanhood in Hopkins and after graduating from the school there, taught for several years in Missouri and Iowa.

In August 1907 she was married to Alwin F. Luther of Bedford, where she continued to reside.

She was a member of the Presbyterian Church and the Order of Eastern Star.

She was preceded in death by her husband, seven brothers and one sister. Surviving are two sisters: Mrs. F. [rank] E. Abernathy [Stella] of Little Rock, Ark., and Mrs. Jean Cantner of Bedford; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Feb 3 at Wetmore Funeral Home, conducted by Rev. Gordon MacLean, former pastor of Bedford Presbyterian church and now pastor at Lytton, Iowa. Internment was in the mausoleum, Fairview cemetery.

[Moore, Christiana Jane Bodenhammer]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     March 30, 1950     p. 7

Obituary - Mrs. Jane Moore

Christiana Jane Bodenhammer, daughter of Adam and Mary Bodenhammer, was born in Davidson County, North Carolina, November 12, 1857, and died at the Municipal Hospital in Clarinda, March 24, 1950 at the age of 92 years, 4 months, 12 days.

She moved to Indiana when 5 years old, and then to Illinois, where she grew to womanhood.

On September 8, 1878 she was married to Robert Taylor Moore. They moved to Iowa and settled here. To them 6 children were born.

Mrs. Moore is survived by 2 sons, Ray [Roy Robert] Moore of New Market, and Al Moore of Clarinda; 2 daughters, Della [Maud] Parsons of Bedford and [Bertha] Myrtle Hipsley of Clarinda; 10 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 daughters, Nettie Ethel Fields, who died May 5, 1949 and May [Mary Cathryn] Mick, who died in 1928; 3 brothers, and 2 sisters.

Mrs. Moore made her home with Mrs. Fields until the time of Mrs. Fields' death. She then went to Bedford and lived with her daughter, Mrs. Parsons. Just recently she went to her daughterÕs in Clarinda, Mrs. Hipsley.

In 1910 she united with the Christian Church and later changed her membership to the Baptist church.

The funeral services were held at the Baptist Church Sunday afternoon, conducted by Rev. F. H. Cowles of Bedford. Burial was in Memory cemetery.

[Moore, Roy Robert]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     May 30, 1974     p. 6

Roy Robert Moore Final Rites Held

Funeral services for Roy Robert Moore, 82, lifelong resident of Taylor County, held May 20 at Walker Funeral Home in Clarinda, were officiated by Carl Cummings assisted by Loren Daly. Mr. Moore died May 17, 1974 at the Municipal Hospital in Clarinda. Interment was at Memory Cemetery.

Roy Robert Moore, was born April 27, 1892, in Taylor County South of New Market, Iowa, son of Robert [Taylor] and Christina Jane Bodenhammer Moore.

He grew to manhood in the New Market area.

He was untied in marriage to Goldie Marie Burnham on July 6, 1914. To this union nine children were born of which four preceded him in death; three in infancy and Wanda Berniece at the age of 13 months. Also preceding him in death were his parents, three sisters: Mrs. Mae (James) Mick, Mrs. Nettie Fields and Mrs. Della Parsons, and one brother, Allie Moore.

Mr. Moore is survived by his wife, Goldie, of the home; five children: Raymond Moore of Clarinda, Ia., Verla Coston, Evon Wyckoff, Ardith Clark and Dean Moore all of New Market; three sons-in-law, Walter Coston, Jack Wyckoff and Jim Clark and two daughters-in-law, Wanda Moore and Vera Moore; 18 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Myrtle Hipsley of Clarinda; many nieces; nephews; other relatives and a host of friends and neighbors.

Roy was employed by Taylor County for 33 years until 1954 when ill health brought partial retirement.

He enjoyed gardening as long as his health permitted.

He was a kind and considerate husband, father, brother, friend and neighbor and he will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

[Oliver, Myrtle Estella Lomax]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    September 22, 1966    p. 6

MRS. M. L. OLIVER, 79, RITES IN MARYVILLE

Funeral services for Mrs. M. [artin] L. [uther] (Myrtle) [Estella Lomax] Oliver, 79, of Maryville, were held Monday at Price Funeral Home in Maryville, conducted by Rev. Hauser Winters. Mrs. Oliver died September 15 at St. Francis Hospital in Maryville.

Interment was at Miriam Cemetery, Maryville.

Among her survivors are her husband; one son, [William] Curtis, and his wife, Jean, of Bedford; three daughters, Mrs. Marie Hunter, Higginsville, Moã Mrs. Zelma Akes, Maryville, and Mrs: Charles (Hazel) Wardlow, of Burlington, Iowa.

[Oliver, William Curtis]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    June 6, 1974     p. 4

Attend Rites Here For Curtis Oliver

Among those attending funeral services for [William] Curtis Oliver here May 29 were:

Doyle Oliver, Marshall, Texas; Marie Hunter, Alma, Mo.; Luther Oliver, Zelma Akes, Maryville; Mrs. Norman Malone and George, Dow City, Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wardlow, Burlington, Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. Dick Green, Galt, Mo.

Mr and Mrs. Vernon Detro, Bolckow, Mo.; Lucile Belcher, Barnard, Mo.; Mrs. Virginia Oliver, Mr. and Mrs. Jake Harmon, Mr. and Mrs. Merle Cundiff, Kansas City, Mo.; Mr. and. Mrs. Ray Guthrie, Rushville, Mo.; John Ray Estes, J. W. Duke and Maggie Duke, St. Joe.

Viola Anderson, Mrs. Jennie King, Pearl Dawson, Mrs. Roy H. Taylor, Maryville; Mrs. Neva Green, Denver, Mo.; Mr. and Mrs. Norman Green, Mt. Ayr; Clarence James and Joe Anderson, Shenandoah; and Mr. and Mrs. Clark Crawford, Clarinda.

[Oliver, William Curtis]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     May 30, 1974    [p. 1]

Last Rites Held May 29 for Curtis Oliver

Funeral services for William Curtis Oliver, 62, of Bedford, were held May 29 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford conducted by Carl Cummings. Mr. Oliver died May 26, 1974, at Methodist Hospital in St. Joseph, Mo. Interment was at Fairview Cemetery, Bedford.

[Oliver, William Curtis]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     June 6, 1974     p. 4

Last Rites Held May 29 for Curtis Oliver

Funeral services for William Curtis Oliver, 62, of Bedford, were held May 29 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford with Carl Cummings officiating, assisted by Rev. Ollie Odle. Mr. Oliver died May 26. 1974, at Methodist Medical Center in St. Joseph, Mo. Interment was at Fairview Cemetery, Bedford.

William Curtis Oliver, son of [Martin] Luther and Myrtle [Estella] Lomax Oliver, was born October 4, 1911, at Denver, Missouri.

He moved with his parents to New Market, Iowa, when he was five years old. He attended the public schools, graduating from the New Market High School. He later moved to the Bedford area and in 1932 he was united in marriage to Alta Goff and to them were born two children, Doyle   and Beverly.

On June 14, 1946, he was united in marriage to Jean Cundiff at Troy, Kansas, and they lived in Bedford during the time he operated a trucking service. In 1959 they moved to a farm west of Bedford and in 1962 they moved to the farm in the East Mission neighborhood where they have since continued to reside.

He was preceded in death by his mother.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Jean, of the home; a son, Doyle Dean Oliver, of Marshall, Texas, and a daughter, Beverly McQuire of Davenport, Ia.; eight grandchildren; his father, [Martin] Luther Oliver, of Maryville, Mo.; three sisters, Marie Hunter of Alma, Mo., Zelma Akes of Maryville, Mo., and Hazel Wardlow of Burlington, Ia.; nieces; nephews; other relatives and many friends.

He was a member of the New Market Methodist Church and a member of Taylor Lodge #156, A.F.&A.M., the American Triangle Chapter #68 of Royal Arch Masons and American Legion Post #164 of Bedford.

He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

[Note: The same obituary was reprinted in the Bedford Times-Press, June 13, 1974, p. 8.]

[Rockey, Vicki Ann Gould]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    May 1974

Vicki Ann Rockey Dies in Des Moines

Vicki Ann Rockey, age 39, of 1707 York Street, Des Moines, formerly of Blockton, died May 9, 1974 at Mercy Hospital after an illness of approximately two and one half months.

Vicki was born January 14, 1935 at Blockton in Taylor County, Iowa. She attended grade and high school there. She belonged to many school organizations. She played basketball and softball, was in the class play, played in the band, sang in the Glee Club, was a cheerleader and a member of the Pep Club. She served on the Student Council, was a class officer, helped edit the school paper as well as being active in various other activities. She enjoyed most everything and was valedictorian of her graduating class.

After graduation she moved to Des Moines where she continued to live until the time of her death. She was ready to help anyone and brought joy to many people.

Vicki was a member of Central Bible Church and was active in teaching Sunday school, working with the Women's Group, solo singing and anything else which needed to be done.

At the time of her sickness she was employed as a Ward Clerk in the Emergency Department of Broadlawns Polk County Hospital.

She was preceded in death by her mother, father and William L. Hodson.

She is survived by her husband, Larry R. Rockey; son, Mike, two brothers, Kermit T. Gould of Taylors, South Carolina, Hugh Gould of Murray, Kentucky; one sister, Mrs. Robert E. Brown of St. Louis, Mo. Vicki also had many aunts, uncles, nephews and nieces.

She will be missed by her many friends and relatives who loved her. Vicki left everyone she knew a little richer life for having known her and was a comfort to all who knew her. We are sure her rewards in heaven will be great.